New EU call for local authorities to apply for free Wi-Fi in public spaces
Photo-© moggara12 - Fotolia
(BRUSSELS) - The EU Commission will launch Thursday a new call for applications for WiFi4EU vouchers to set up free Wi-Fi networks in public spaces, including town halls, public libraries, museums, public parks or squares.
The call is open to municipalities or groups of municipalities in the EU until 20 September 2019 at 17:00 CEST. Municipalities will be able to apply for 1780 vouchers, valued €15,000 each.
Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel, said: "It is with great pleasure that I can announce the opening of the call for the third round of WiFi4EU vouchers. With nearly 6000 grant agreements already signed, it is exciting to see the immediate benefits that this initiative is bringing to the lives of our citizens."
The WiFi4EU scheme is administered through a series of calls, and covers all 28 EU Member States, as well as Norway and Iceland.
Once municipalities have registered on the dedicated WiFi4EU Portal they will be able to apply for a voucher with just one click.
The Commission is selecting beneficiaries on a first-come, first-served basis, while ensuring geographical balance.
The first two WiFi4EU calls for applications have taken place to great effect, with over 23,000 municipalities registered in the Portal and 6,200 vouchers awarded so far.
The present call marks the third of four calls foreseen before the end of 2020.
More information is available online, in the Questions and Answers and a factsheet, while a map illustrates the number of municipalities throughout Europe who have so far benefited from the scheme.
WIFI4EU - Free Wi-Fi for Europeans - background guide